Football

Inter Milan's relentless march towards the Serie A title continued on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at in-form Bologna. The win extended Inter's massive league lead to 18 points, making the championship a virtual certainty.Yann Bisseck's headed goal in the 37th minute proved to be the difference in a tight contest at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. The German defender's second goal of the season extended Inter's all-competitions winning streak to 13 matches, emphasizing their dominance in the league."This is one of the most difficult places to play... beating Bologna is not easy. We gave everything," said Nicolo Barella to DAZN. "Who knows how soon we can win it (the league), it depends on the other teams. It's difficult for those chasing us, let's hope it stays difficult for them."Second-placed Juventus have a chance to reduce the gap when they host Atalanta on Sunday. However, with the title race effectively over, Atalanta will have more to play for as they battle Bologna for a spot in next season's Champions League.Bologna's defeat snapped a six-match winning streak and opened the door for other teams aiming for the top four. Atalanta are five points off Bologna in sixth, while Roma can move to within one point with a win at Fiorentina on Sunday.Despite Bologna's impressive season, they were unable to find a way past Yann Sommer in goal. "You can't concede in the way we did because once you're behind against a team like Inter, they know how to manage the game," said Bologna coach Thiago Motta.Inter now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they defend a 1-0 lead against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. "It will be a great match, the Champions League is possibly the best competition and we need to stay in it as long as we can," said Barella.In other Serie A action, Cagliari moved out of the relegation zone with a thrilling 4-2 win over Salernitana, who continued to slide towards the drop. Sassuolo also picked up their first win under new coach Davide Ballardini, defeating Frosinone 1-0.

Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho has been hailed by both his coach and sporting director after his stunning goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. The win keeps Dortmund in fourth place in the Bundesliga, on track for Champions League qualification next season.Sancho's goal, his first since returning to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United in January, was a trademark solo effort that showcased his exceptional dribbling skills and clinical finishing. The England winger received the ball on the left flank, danced past several Bremen defenders, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner."Doing something like that, you can of course see what a great footballer he is," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. "You can see how he can make the difference, especially in one-on-one situations."Sancho's goal put Dortmund 2-0 up, but the visitors were forced to hold on for a narrow victory after Marcel Sabitzer was sent off with a straight red card shortly after. It was Sancho's first goal in eight matches since returning to the side and his first in Dortmund colors in 1,031 days, dating back to May 2021.Kehl, who played a key role in bringing Sancho back to the club, said the 23-year-old was "rewarded" for his hard work. "Everyone is happy for Jadon because they saw how hard he was working and how willing he was to help the team. Goals help. He's had one or two assists before, but this goal will help him and give him a boost."Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who was in charge when the Black and Yellows won the German Cup in 2021 thanks to two goals from Sancho, praised the winger's performance. "It's an example of what he's capable of and hopefully he can continue like this. He's not limiting himself to scoring a goal -- it was his entire performance. We know he's not 100 percent, there's no way he can be (after a long layoff). But we'll get him there."Kehl compared Sancho's return to a player returning from injury and said Dortmund would need the winger in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven. "You should not forget that he didn't play for a long time. It's like when a player has a cruciate ligament injury and is out for a long time. We need him and we will again on Wednesday and for the coming weeks."Dortmund drew 1-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands and need a win to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Girona's resurgence continued on Saturday as they secured a 2-0 victory over Osasuna, propelling them back into second place in La Liga. The triumph came at the expense of Atletico Madrid, who suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat at Cadiz, further denting their hopes of a top-three finish.Girona's dominance was evident from the outset, and they were rewarded with a goal from Cristian Portu just 13 minutes into the match. Viktor Tsygankov's incisive pass found Portu in the box, and the Spaniard's clinical finish gave Girona the early advantage.Despite Girona's dominance, Osasuna remained a threat, and Tsygankov nearly provided a second assist for Artem Dovbyk, but the Ukrainian forward failed to convert. Daley Blind also came close to doubling Girona's lead, but his effort was blocked by the Osasuna defense.Girona's persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Savinho found the net. However, the goal was initially ruled out for a foul, but the Brazilian's disappointment was short-lived as he struck again two minutes later. Miguel Gutierrez's pass found Aleix Garcia, whose backheel set up Savinho for a left-footed finish that sealed the victory.Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's struggles continued with a disappointing defeat at Cadiz. Juanmi's brace either side of half-time condemned Diego Simeone's men to their seventh defeat of the season.The first half was marred by fouls, and Cadiz took the lead through Juanmi's unmarked header midway through the period. Simeone made changes at half-time, but Juanmi struck again just after the hour mark, securing the victory for the Andalusian side.The result leaves Atletico four points behind Girona in third, while Cadiz moved closer to safety, provisionally moving within two points of 17th place.In other La Liga action, Real Sociedad came from behind to win 3-2 at Granada, while Valencia climbed to eighth with a 1-0 victory over Getafe.

Arsenal's relentless pursuit of the Premier League title reached new heights as they dramatically secured a 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners' triumph propelled them to the summit of the league standings, one point ahead of Liverpool.Mikel Arteta's side dominated the early proceedings, with Declan Rice heading home a superb cross from Ben White in the 19th minute. However, Arsenal's momentum was halted just before halftime when goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's error allowed Yoane Wissa to equalize for Brentford.Ramsdale's blunder, which saw him hesitate too long to clear a back-pass, gifted Brentford an unexpected lifeline. The Arsenal keeper was visibly shaken by his mistake, but his teammates rallied around him.As the second half unfolded, Arsenal continued to press for a winner. Ramsdale partially redeemed himself with a stunning save to deny Ivan Toney's audacious effort from distance. Rice also came close to restoring Arsenal's lead, but his curler from the edge of the area rattled the crossbar.With time running out, Kai Havertz emerged as Arsenal's savior. The German forward found space in the six-yard box and met White's cross with a powerful header that sent the Emirates Stadium into raptures.Havertz's late strike ensured Arsenal's eighth consecutive league victory, a remarkable feat that has propelled them to the top of the table. The Gunners' title aspirations remain alive, and they will face a crucial test on Sunday when Liverpool and Manchester City clash at Anfield.

The upcoming Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal promises to be a high-octane affair, with both teams vying for different goals in the Indian Super League (ISL).Mohun Bagan, currently third in the standings with 33 points from 16 matches, is eyeing the League Shield. East Bengal, on the other hand, is struggling for survival, sitting in 10th place with 18 points from as many outings.Despite East Bengal's lower position, the psychological advantage lies with them in derby meetings this season. They have won two of the three encounters so far, including a 2-2 draw in the last meeting on February 3.That draw marked a turning point for Mohun Bagan under coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Since then, they have remained unbeaten, picking up four wins and two draws in a stretch of six matches.East Bengal, on the other hand, has been inconsistent. They recently lost away to Goa and will be looking to regain their form in time for the derby.The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. The atmosphere will be electric, with both sets of fans creating a deafening roar.Mohun Bagan will be relying on the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous, and Liston Colaco to provide the attacking spark. East Bengal will look to their experienced players, such as Cleiton Silva, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Lalrinliana Hnamte, to guide them to victory.The derby is not just a match; it's a battle of pride and passion. Both teams will be determined to give their all and emerge victorious. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere will be unforgettable.

YUPIA, Arunachal Pradesh - Services emerged victorious in the 75th edition of the Santosh Trophy, India's premier inter-state senior men's football competition, after a thrilling 1-0 triumph over Goa in the final.The match at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia started cautiously, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening session. However, Services gradually gained the upper hand in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute.Midfielder Rahul Ramakrishnan played a key role in the winning goal, setting up right-back P.P. Shafeel with a precise pass outside the Goa box. Shafeel unleashed a powerful grounder that left Goa goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva with no chance.Goa, the pre-tournament favorites, fought valiantly to equalize, but Services' defense stood firm. The best opportunity for Goa came in injury time when substitute Joshua D'Silva's header beat Services goalkeeper Abdul Kadir, but Pradeep Kumar cleared the ball off the line to preserve the lead.Services' victory marks their seventh Santosh Trophy title, moving them up to second place in the all-time standings behind West Bengal (32 titles). The triumph is a testament to the team's hard work, determination, and tactical discipline.Goa, despite their disappointment, can take solace in their impressive run to the final. They showcased their attacking prowess throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals in their previous five matches.The Santosh Trophy, first held in 1941, is one of the oldest and most prestigious football competitions in India. It provides a platform for talented players from across the country to showcase their skills and represent their states.

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision to charter a plane for the men's national team three days before its annual general meeting has been hailed as a game-changer. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey's assurance to head coach Igor Stimac of a "no-compromise stand" has lifted spirits within the team.The move comes amidst allegations of financial foul play and cronyism made by a former legal head of AIFF. However, Chaubey has denied these allegations, writing to his executive committee to address the concerns.The decision to charter a plane for the team's World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on March 21 is a significant step towards improving the team's performance. By flying directly to Abha in Saudi Arabia, the team will avoid the fatigue and potential injuries associated with multiple layovers.This move demonstrates the AIFF's commitment to providing the best possible support to the national team. It is a clear indication that the federation is determined to create an environment where the team can thrive and achieve success.The team's performance in recent months has been mixed. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but have also struggled to maintain consistency. The decision to charter a plane is a sign that the AIFF is taking steps to address these issues and help the team reach its full potential.The team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan is a crucial match. A win would boost their chances of qualifying for the next round of the competition. The AIFF's decision to charter a plane is a clear indication that they are determined to give the team the best possible chance of success.

Manchester United's Champions League aspirations received a much-needed boost as they secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday. The win snapped a two-game losing streak in the Premier League and moved United within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Alejandro Garnacho was brought down by James Tarkowski. Fernandes then handed over penalty duties to Marcus Rashford, who doubled the lead in the 36th minute after Garnacho was fouled by Ben Godfrey.United dominated the first half, with Garnacho causing constant problems for the Everton defense. The Argentine winger won both penalties and was a constant threat with his pace and skill. Everton improved in the second half but failed to create any clear-cut chances, with most of their shots coming from long range.The victory was a welcome relief for United manager Erik ten Hag, who had seen his team lose to Fulham and Manchester City in their previous two league matches. The win keeps United in contention for a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.Everton, meanwhile, remain five points clear of the relegation zone but will be concerned by their lack of attacking threat. Manager Sean Dyche will need to find a way to get more goals from his team if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Manchester City's visit to Liverpool on Sunday has been billed as a potential Premier League title decider, but the reality is more complex. With just two points separating the top three teams, the race for the championship remains wide open.Liverpool, currently leading the pack with 63 points, holds a slim one-point advantage over City. Arsenal, with 61 points, is lurking just behind. The hype surrounding the upcoming clash has been amplified by Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold's assertion that the trophies his team wins "mean more" to City's squad due to the latter's financial resources.City's Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias have responded to Alexander-Arnold's comments, while both managers, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, have attempted to downplay the significance of the pre-match chatter. Guardiola has emphasized that his players' dignity is not dependent on responding to such remarks but rather on their consistent performances on the pitch.City is aiming to become the first team to win four consecutive English league titles, but they have spent little time in the lead this season due to Liverpool's impressive campaign. Despite some key injuries in February, the Reds appear to be nearing full strength, with leading scorer Mo Salah making his return in Thursday's Europa League victory.City's star duo of Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are also in top form, with Haaland scoring in five of his last eight matches and De Bruyne providing assists in five of his past eight contests. While Sunday's match is crucial, both Klopp and Guardiola believe that a negative result for either side will not be decisive.Klopp, who is stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, has stated that he does not expect any team to celebrate prematurely after the match. The quality on both sides suggests that the title race will remain competitive for the foreseeable future.